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ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP):Senator Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, highlighted the universal message of Islam and its respect for local traditions, noting that wherever Islam spread, whether in Iran, Egypt or the Indian subcontinent, it did not disrupt indigenous cultures but strengthened them by promoting the message of Touheed and Risaalat.
These remarks were made by Senator Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, former Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, while addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration of “The 4th International Conference on Andalusian Literature: The Cultural and Artistic Interaction between Arabs and the West”, organised by the Department of Arabic at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).
Renowned scholars, researchers, and literary experts from various Arab countries, including Jordan, Algeria, Oman, Iraq, Morocco, and Egypt, are participating in the conference, said a press release on Tuesday.
He said Islam has never adopted a confrontational approach toward local customs instead, it encouraged their positive aspects.
He added that the conquest of Andalusia was not a mere military campaign it was a cultural, civilizational, and intellectual revolution. The culture of Andalusia influenced both the Western world and the Islamic East.
Senator Qadri noted that during nine centuries of Muslim rule, Christians enjoyed religious freedom, and Christian conferences were held in Europe and Córdoba.
Presiding over the conference, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood, said in his address that a study of Islamic history revealed that during those eight centuries, we inherited a grand legacy.
“Islamic civilization taught refined ways of living, we were the fountain head of knowledge. If we wish, the entire treasure is still available to us, by adopting moral strength, we can benefit from it,” he said.
He further stated that the traces of history cannot be erased, in every street, alley, and building of Spain, one can still see reflections of the glorious era of Islam. The knowledge imparted by numerous scientists, researchers, philosophers, and scholars continues to guide us even today.
He added that no civilization ever progressed in a single field alone. Philosophy, mathematics, medicine, astronomy, geography, poetry, music, and literature together, these disciplines illuminated the world. Humanity has always advanced through the mutual sharing of civilizations.